Message Regarding Inauguration Activities

Dear members of the Emerson community,

We are writing to share information related to activities leading up to the Presidential Inauguration on January 20.

While we are hopeful that the inauguration of the new administration will happen peacefully, and we know of no imminent threat or safety concerns for Boston or Emerson College at this time, we want you to be aware of a possible demonstration that may occur near our Boston campus, as well as the actions that College, city, and state public safety officials are taking to keep the community safe. 

●      Boston Police (BPD) and other law enforcement partners have been made aware of multiple demonstrations that may occur in Washington D.C. and, potentially, in all state capitals between January 16 and Inauguration Day, January 20. While the Massachusetts State House is listed as the site of a possible demonstration on Sunday, January 17, there is no indication at this time of any planned demonstration at the State House.

●      BPD has informed us that, as an added precaution, it will increase police presence in the city from January 16 through January 20. Emerson College Police will provide additional officers during this time and will monitor events on campus, and will continue to monitor information received from state and local officials.

●      Boston Police anticipate closing Beacon Street near the State House beginning around 9:00 am on January 17; additional road closures around the Boston Common may be necessary, depending on how the event unfolds throughout the day.

●      Boston Police plan to preposition steel fencing/barricades at critical intersections around the Boston Common, including near Emerson’s campus.

●      All Emerson buildings will remain accessible via tap access from January 17 through January 20.

ECPD, BPD, and State Police will continue to monitor the situation, both beforehand and as it unfolds, and we will provide updates to the community as needed and as information becomes available. We encourage all Emerson community members to add at least one cell phone number to their Emerson alert account (emerson.edu/emersonalert) – this is the fastest way to receive emergency notifications from the College. 

To report an incident, suspicious or dangerous activity, or to chat directly with Emerson safety officials via the new Emerson College LiveSafe app, download the LiveSafe app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and search for Emerson College. 

Please know that the wellbeing of our community members is our top concern, and Emerson will take every possible precaution to ensure our community remains safe.

Sincerely,
Chris Beaurpere
Director of Emergency Management